British farmers should start to plant GMCs: experts

LONDON, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Farmers should start to grow genetically modified crops (GMCs), which could be more nutritious than natural produce, British government's top science adviser said in an official report on GMCs published on Friday.

In the first official report on this subject in five years, Sir Mark Walport, the government's Chief Scientific Adviser, together with senior scientists, recommended "safe and sustainable" roll-out of GMCs in Britain.

The scientists also concluded that there is no compelling evidence to suggest that GMCs are any more dangerous to humans, animals or the environment than conventionally farmed food.

These experts advised the prime minister that GMCs should be allowed to grow by farmers in Britain, given the many benefits GMCs could bring in terms of sustainable food production.

The scientists also pointed out in their report that the time has come for Europe to be stripped of its obstructive control of the technology.

The report suggested that Britain should regulate commercial genetically modified varieties of wheat and potatoes based on their individual benefits and risks.

It recommended that GMCs should be assessed individually, taking potential benefits into account.

Currently, there are only two GMC varieties allowed for commercial harvest in Europe, none of which are in Britain. However, 12 percent of the world's arable land is cultivating GMCs.